The Telegraph reported new research by estate agent Savills that reveals the most affluent suburbs in the country.
The research looked at areas with the highest number of households with the biggest mortgages, reflecting high earnings and house prices.
These areas are said to have big family homes, good schools, and are close to high streets with restaurants, delis, and wine bars.
When these were combined, it emerged that Barnsbury in Islington and South Hampstead in Camden were among the most desirable locations listed in the Telegraph’s report.
Barnsbury
Barnsbury has an average house price of £1,219,867 and an average household income of £135,411.
To the west of Islington’s Upper Street, Barnsbury is described as having period houses and charming squares.
Jamie Salisbury of Foxtons told the Telegraph: “It is a hidden gem.
“It offers a leafy village for those looking for something a little quieter while being so close to Kings Cross and the tech scene in Shoreditch and Clerkenwell.”
He added that it is not unusual to see a young, first-time buyer family given a cash gift of £2m from the “bank of mum and dad.”
South Hampstead
South Hampstead has an average house price of £1,058,174 and an average household income of £107,741.
This area is described as a quiet patch south of the slopes of Hampstead Village, close to Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road, and West Hampstead.
Dean Lane of Foxtons said: “It’s the jewel in the north London crown,” with its tree-lined streets and wide pavements, and location within 20 minutes of central London.
Richard Bryce of the House Collective said: “An entry level price for a two-bedroom flat is around £1m and a family home could be anything from £3 million to £15 million.”
The research comes as experts predict a push towards the suburbs next year, due to pent-up demand from families wanting to buy bigger homes.
Savills is forecasting a swell in mortgaged homeowners moving house.
Lucian Cook of Savills said: “We predict that second and third steppers are going to increase by 26%, or 70,000 per year, over the next five years.
“The suburbs are likely to be a core focus for these buyers.”
Polly Ogden Duffy of estate agency John D Wood added: “This will be driven by stabilised political conditions following the election and the establishment of a new government, and bolstered by expectations of slow but steadily falling interest rates.”
